Antihistamines reduce the production of an immune system chemical that is active in an allergic reaction, and they help relieve itching, sneezing and runny nose. Prescription antihistamines taken as a nasal spray include azelastine (Astelin, Astepro) and olopatadine (Patanase).
You can't get rid of pet allergies. However, you can take OTC antihistamine pills, nasal corticosteroids and nasal antihistamines to treat your symptoms. For some people, allergy shots (immunotherapy) offer a long-term solution to managing pet allergies.
How long do pet allergy symptoms last? Pet allergy symptoms will last until the animal is permanently removed from the home. However, many symptoms can last for months afterward as pet dander and fur can stay in a home for months and even years later. Often, carpets hold animal dander and fur much longer.
You may want a dog, but are concerned about your allergies or those of a family member. Or you may have a dog and know that your allergy is a problem. The good news is that dogs and people with allergies can live together.
If you have hay fever, or are allergic to dust mites or animals, immunotherapy can be used to weaken your body's response to the substance causing the allergy, known as the allergen. This treatment allows the immune system to "get used to" (become desensitized to) the allergen.
Most often, pet allergy is triggered by exposure to the dead flakes of skin (dander) a pet sheds. Any animal with fur can be a source of pet allergy, but pet allergies are most commonly associated with cats and dogs.
Apple cider vinegar has a lot of uses for not only humans but also pets. If your pet has itchy skin, this concoction of 50/50 water and ACV spray can help relieve your pet's skin allergies or irritation. This home remedy can also be used in a bath format.
If your dog won't stop licking, scratching, and chewing, has red and irritated skin or hair loss, make an appointment to see your vet. Depending on the seriousness of the problem, a professional can provide more aggressive treatments such as antihistamines, steroids, or allergy shots, also known as immunotherapy.
You are allergic to the protein that is found in the pet's dander (dead skin cells) saliva, and urine. The hair, fur, or feathers collect the dander. It can also carry other allergens like dust mites, mold, and pollen.
Pet allergy relief
When you can't live without your pet, a medicine for dog and cat allergies can help control your pet allergy symptoms. ZYRTEC® starts working at hour 1 and stays strong day after day, so you can reduce your cat and dog allergy symptoms. Learn more about ZYRTEC®.
The best way to treat pet allergies is to remove pets from the home. Still, you may not want to give away your pet to a new home even after you discover pet allergies. It also depends on how severe your symptoms are and whether you have other family members who are allergic.
Baking Soda: Man's True Best Friend. Baking soda is a fantastic neutralizer, which is why it's top of the list for how to get rid of pet odor. Ever had anyone recommend you leave baking soda in the fridge to eat up weird smells? The same concept applies outside of the fridge, too!
The most commonly used antihistamines for dogs include: Diphenhydramine (Benadryl®) Loratadine (Claritin®) Cetirizine (Zyrtec® or Reactine®)
The most common food allergens in dogs are proteins, especially those from dairy, beef, chicken, chicken eggs, soy, or wheat gluten. Each time a pet eats food containing these substances, the antibodies react with the antigens, and symptoms occur.
Canine seasonal allergies are caused by similar factors that lead to human seasonal allergies. Different types of plants, including many variants of weeds, are at their peak season during the fall. Common weeds that pollinate in the fall include ragweed, tumbleweed, sagebrush, plantain, cocklebur, and lamb's quarter.
Allergy shots, or immunotherapy, have been shown to eradicate pet allergies entirely in as much as 80% of patients who take the full course, says allergist and immunologist James Sublett, president-elect of the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.
What does a rash look like on a dog? Rashes can appear red, bumpy, inflamed, or like welts. There might be hair loss or hot spots, areas of skin that are inflamed and oozing.
In addition, ongoing allergies can cause secondary problems including ear problems, skin bacterial infection, skin yeast infection, eye problems, and upper respiratory discomfort. These secondary conditions may even continue after the allergic reaction has passed or controlled.
Depending on the pet and the person, more serious allergies could develop, leading to an increase in sinus infections. It can also cause asthma to flare up for some and even cause more upper respiratory infections. While medications can help with many of these symptoms, Dr.
Pet allergies that contribute to asthma may cause difficulty breathing, chest pain or tightness, and wheezing. It is important to seek care for trouble breathing and worsening asthma symptoms right away.
Is it safe to take Zyrtec every day? Yep. "When taken in the recommended doses, antihistamines can be taken daily. This is especially true with Zyrtec, since it doesn't show decreasing effectiveness if used daily," says Sima Patel, MD, an allergist at New York Allergy & Sinus Centers.